1998 Annual Report for FS98-076
Development of Low Input Sustainable Practices for Rose Production
Summary
Roses are typically grown in monocultures and are maintained through heavy use of inorganic fertilizers, pesticides, and fungicides. The producer inherited a monoculture of 400 Simplicity rose plants from her father. He had followed the conventional practice of spraying every 5-7 days for insect and disease control, tilled frequently for weed control, used soluble fertilizers, and depended on rainfall for watering the roses.
During the first season that she alone was responsible for the roses, the grower followed most of her father’s practices, making what changes she could. For example, she tried using a baking soda solution for black spot, and instead of tilling she used a leaf mulch.
The producer would like to continue growing the roses since they represent a significant investment and since her father had established a solid niche for his fresh-cut roses at the Henderson County Curb Market. She will use her Producer Grant to develop a series of practices to determine if sustainable agriculture practices can effectively control pests and diseases, suppress weeds, and provide sufficient nutrients and moisture for roses.